In my challenge to oversee the areas of middle school, high school, and college-aged ministries. I discover a lot about who I am. I am a people person. But I need to get things done--many tasks get undone. I need to meet new people; to put myself out there. But I'm an introvert by nature. I re-energize by spending time alone not spending time with people. I need to communicate with lots of people. But I only have so many hours in the day. Yet this problem to communicate with people can be solved with a blog. That's why I've begun this blog. It's sort of a way to connect with people when face-to-face is not a convenient option for me or for others. I want to converse with others as best as I can. So here is my attempt to start communicating in a differnt way. I find it so hard to try to talk to people on Sundays. I am responsible for both hours of each service. When there are between service activities or events, I often miss them or I am late. I need a way to communicate with others beyond weekend service times. I've battled with email and still get spammed. But I am exploring new ways to filter unwanted messages while accepting needed messages. I guess it's everyone's challenge, but I am choosing to begin communicating in a blog. It's the best way I can get information out and get information in.
Here's to sharing the story of Student Ministries through a blog,
Pastor D
Saturday, March 17, 2007
New additions
I just recently added a few links to my blog to other blogs I created. In the links field, there are blogs of activities (middle school & high school), and one called--3rd Night.
3rd Night is a new blog started to discuss and to comment on what high school students are studying on Wednesday Nights (three nights after sunday). Check it out and make a comment.
The activity blogs are a place to get news about what's being planned for students. I will ask if Chris Jordan can send me his picture so I can introduce him to the youth group again. He is willing to plan some activities for the summer and beyond.
Our activities focus either on contacting students or connecting students. Contacting means fun activities to invite friends to so that they check out what our church does and who comes to our church youth group. These events are just fun things to do with friends, or a place to possibly make new friends. There is an intention to bring students to church events and invite them to come to our church on Sunday mornings. For example, June 9th is PaintBall for Middle School students. Connecting means fellowship activities where students who want to get encouragement in their journey with God gather together. There is an intentional focus to direct students to talk about how to relate God's Word to your life. For example, Palm Sunday Communion is coming on April 1st.
The why.god link is a place for students to share their pain and get prayer for the toils of this journey with God. Everybody gets discouraged. Students can share loss or pain or grief. Occasional insights are posted and replies to comments will be made. So take advantage of this space whether school and homework are your frustration, fear over choices you've got to make, need for prayer about a relationship, hurt over a friend or relative who needs help, whatever it is--you have a place to post your comments.
Pastor D
I just recently added a few links to my blog to other blogs I created. In the links field, there are blogs of activities (middle school & high school), and one called--3rd Night.
3rd Night is a new blog started to discuss and to comment on what high school students are studying on Wednesday Nights (three nights after sunday). Check it out and make a comment.
The activity blogs are a place to get news about what's being planned for students. I will ask if Chris Jordan can send me his picture so I can introduce him to the youth group again. He is willing to plan some activities for the summer and beyond.
Our activities focus either on contacting students or connecting students. Contacting means fun activities to invite friends to so that they check out what our church does and who comes to our church youth group. These events are just fun things to do with friends, or a place to possibly make new friends. There is an intention to bring students to church events and invite them to come to our church on Sunday mornings. For example, June 9th is PaintBall for Middle School students. Connecting means fellowship activities where students who want to get encouragement in their journey with God gather together. There is an intentional focus to direct students to talk about how to relate God's Word to your life. For example, Palm Sunday Communion is coming on April 1st.
The why.god link is a place for students to share their pain and get prayer for the toils of this journey with God. Everybody gets discouraged. Students can share loss or pain or grief. Occasional insights are posted and replies to comments will be made. So take advantage of this space whether school and homework are your frustration, fear over choices you've got to make, need for prayer about a relationship, hurt over a friend or relative who needs help, whatever it is--you have a place to post your comments.
Pastor D
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Adjustments
God speaks to me when I reflect on my life and see the gap between where I'd like to be and where I am. I'd like to be so much more. Yet I am so much less.
The hard knocks of life are not pleasant. Yet in my short lifespan, I discover that I can learn from my missteps. I thought that when I made mistakes, I was dumb. But here God's Word distinguishes between truth and lie. I can correct my way and see it as a smart move. I don't have to see it as a dumb thing. What is dumb, is to not make any adjustments. Wow! God's truth informs me that I can be smart/wise by adjusting my life and not feel that such miss-steps confirm my ignorance. Whoa! God is helping me see things in a new way. I can be wise, even after making a mistake. The mistake is to make no adjustments.
As you travel along in this life, I wonder if you feel the same or how you deal with setbacks. I wonder if you beat yourself up or if you even give it any other thought and move on. I wonder what you think.
Pastor D
The ear that hears the reproof of life shall remain among the wise.
(Proverbs 15:31)
God speaks to me when I reflect on my life and see the gap between where I'd like to be and where I am. I'd like to be so much more. Yet I am so much less.
The hard knocks of life are not pleasant. Yet in my short lifespan, I discover that I can learn from my missteps. I thought that when I made mistakes, I was dumb. But here God's Word distinguishes between truth and lie. I can correct my way and see it as a smart move. I don't have to see it as a dumb thing. What is dumb, is to not make any adjustments. Wow! God's truth informs me that I can be smart/wise by adjusting my life and not feel that such miss-steps confirm my ignorance. Whoa! God is helping me see things in a new way. I can be wise, even after making a mistake. The mistake is to make no adjustments.
As you travel along in this life, I wonder if you feel the same or how you deal with setbacks. I wonder if you beat yourself up or if you even give it any other thought and move on. I wonder what you think.
Pastor D
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Give thought to your steps
I discovered something new in my walk with God. I talk too much. I'm trying to practice hearing God. I ask God to speak into my life--so I sit quietly and remain silent. However, I still talk in my mind. God tells me to be still and know that He is God.
God's truth challenges me to stop and think about what I am doing. Sometimes I don't like what I'm doing. Other times I am encouraged. Still, that moment when I ponder my path is what God wants from me. I wonder how often I've questioned why I do what I do. Have I given any time for reflection? Maybe I'm afraid of what I'll discover. Am I prudent? Or am I a simpleton?
I wonder if you've stopped to consider your own steps. In fact, what is your opinion of students? Are students simpletons or prudent? Do students view themselves as wise or foolish? How often do students consider their ways? What stops students from doing this? I wonder what you think. Join the conversation.
Pastor D
I discovered something new in my walk with God. I talk too much. I'm trying to practice hearing God. I ask God to speak into my life--so I sit quietly and remain silent. However, I still talk in my mind. God tells me to be still and know that He is God.
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I willStillness means quieting my body, my mouth, and my thoughts. Silence. To quiet my heart and mind to hear God's voice takes practice. I am learning how to do that better amid many tasks and new interruptions. In fact, today's chapter in Proverbs challenges me to consider what I am doing.
be praised in the earth. (Psalms 46:10)"
"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their stepsDo I truly think about what I am doing? Or am I just a robot droning along in life without regard for my steps?
(Proverbs 14:15)."
God's truth challenges me to stop and think about what I am doing. Sometimes I don't like what I'm doing. Other times I am encouraged. Still, that moment when I ponder my path is what God wants from me. I wonder how often I've questioned why I do what I do. Have I given any time for reflection? Maybe I'm afraid of what I'll discover. Am I prudent? Or am I a simpleton?
Prudent: wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).
Simpleton: an ignorant, foolish, or silly person (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).
I wonder if you've stopped to consider your own steps. In fact, what is your opinion of students? Are students simpletons or prudent? Do students view themselves as wise or foolish? How often do students consider their ways? What stops students from doing this? I wonder what you think. Join the conversation.
Pastor D
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
ABC News: An Annual Rite: Brace Yourself for the Tourney
ABC News: An Annual Rite: Brace Yourself for the Tourney
Are you immune to the madness?
Are you immune to the madness?
March Madness
For all who love sports, especially basketball, this is our favorite time of year. I enjoy watching the games when I can. Back in college I would do extra studying and save up my excused absences and watch every game televised. I was a sports addict. Was? I still am, but anyways...
If you'd like me to join your group or you'd like to sound off regarding whether or not this is all a waste of time, then drop me an invite or your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.
Pastor D
For all who love sports, especially basketball, this is our favorite time of year. I enjoy watching the games when I can. Back in college I would do extra studying and save up my excused absences and watch every game televised. I was a sports addict. Was? I still am, but anyways...
If you'd like me to join your group or you'd like to sound off regarding whether or not this is all a waste of time, then drop me an invite or your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.
Pastor D
International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission
Check out the site, visit briefly, and post your comments.
Check out the site, visit briefly, and post your comments.
Amazing Grace
Last week at the Gathering, Amy Price suggested we watch the movie, Amazing Grace. Afterwards a few of us gathered to share our reflections on the movie. One of the resources cited by Luke Benedict was a World Magazine article on modern-day slavery in our world today. A group doing something about child slavery is the International Justice Mission. I heard the president speak at a missions conference over Christmas break. Her mission, her cause is compelling. Please visit the website on the link above. I'll post the questions and some of the answers from our group discussion later.
Pastor D
Last week at the Gathering, Amy Price suggested we watch the movie, Amazing Grace. Afterwards a few of us gathered to share our reflections on the movie. One of the resources cited by Luke Benedict was a World Magazine article on modern-day slavery in our world today. A group doing something about child slavery is the International Justice Mission. I heard the president speak at a missions conference over Christmas break. Her mission, her cause is compelling. Please visit the website on the link above. I'll post the questions and some of the answers from our group discussion later.
Pastor D
Right Living
God is reiterating one truth in my life. Integrity. God tells me in Proverbs 13:6; "Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." In order for me to nurture integrity in my life, I must live right. The standard of right-ness is God's truth. It is not what is best for me with no regard for others. It is right living according to the principles and precepts of God's truth in the Bible. So, as I live right my integrity is guarded. As I treat others right, my integrity is guarded. As I think right (of others, of myself), my integrity is guarded. The contrast is a life thrown over with wrongness.
God wants me to live a great life for Him. It will take principled discipline. Right living is not easy. Right living is for the strong, not the weak. I wonder if your experience is like mine. Do you struggle with living right? Do you seek to live out God's truth? Or are you feeling overthrown with wrong ways?
But there is hope. Every believer can confess sin and renew his or her walk in Christ. You are on the journey. You can reaffirm your commitment everyday. You can live for Christ. You can gain victory! Keep trusting God and living out His truth in your life. I wonder if you are encouraged or discouraged from these reflections. Drop me a comment.
Pastor d
God is reiterating one truth in my life. Integrity. God tells me in Proverbs 13:6; "Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." In order for me to nurture integrity in my life, I must live right. The standard of right-ness is God's truth. It is not what is best for me with no regard for others. It is right living according to the principles and precepts of God's truth in the Bible. So, as I live right my integrity is guarded. As I treat others right, my integrity is guarded. As I think right (of others, of myself), my integrity is guarded. The contrast is a life thrown over with wrongness.
God wants me to live a great life for Him. It will take principled discipline. Right living is not easy. Right living is for the strong, not the weak. I wonder if your experience is like mine. Do you struggle with living right? Do you seek to live out God's truth? Or are you feeling overthrown with wrong ways?
But there is hope. Every believer can confess sin and renew his or her walk in Christ. You are on the journey. You can reaffirm your commitment everyday. You can live for Christ. You can gain victory! Keep trusting God and living out His truth in your life. I wonder if you are encouraged or discouraged from these reflections. Drop me a comment.
Pastor d
Family: Entrusted treasures
I spent the day yesterday with my family. I have so many things to do and to think about. Like many of you I am at the crossroads of decisions for my life and ministry. I made a commitment to take my days off and invest them in my family.
I find it encouraging when your child tells you that one of your strengths is that you spend time with us. May God keep molding my life to value my family. I praise God that I can shepherd their lives. I love them so much! I enjoyed my time with them yesterday. From cleaning up the garage to doing errands late in the evening to folding clothes, I thank God that I can make time to be with them. I am a privileged man to have a wonderful wife and four growing children. I pray that you can experience a great family life. I ask God to keep you from a poor to mediocre family life. You can experience one each day by trusting in God like I do. I praise God for His help in my life.
I've added my family picture for you to see from Christmas where we posed in our Buckeye gear with Jesus. I praise God that He gave them all to me. I pray that I can do my best to shepherd them, treasures entrusted to me.
Pastor D
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Integrity
God is challenging me to work out my life with integrity. According to the dictionary, integrity means:
"adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." To be honest with my life is challenging. I'd rather stretch the truth than deal with things honestly. I've heard people say that you need to be brutally honest, but I don't believe that to be true. God wants me to be candid; "characterized by openness and sincerity of expression; unreservedly straightforward (American Heritage Dictionary s.v. 'candid')."
To be unreservedly straighforward means honestly determining where I am with God, with family, with others. A person of integrity takes a sincere and open look at one's life. That scares you and I because we want to look good. Yet I need to balance that with what God's Word, the Bible says about all people. Rather than remaining in pride and seeking to look good, everyone can embrace humility. For Proverbs 11:2 says,
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." I can embody humility by taking an honest look at myself and know that God still loves me--warts, zits, acne and all! I can face myself with integrity. You can see yourself honestly and be free.
Moreover, I can live in the truth that God's love for me can impact my relationships. I wonder how many times I've said half-truths to cover my pride in order for others to receive the blame. I wonder how many times I've hurt others with my unfaithfulness. Proverbs 11:3 offers me a greater challenge,
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
If I am honest with myself before God, then I can be honest with everyone else in my life. This does not give me license to blast everyone brutally. But I gives me the foundation for deeper friendships. I want to build relationships rather than destroy them. I can build relationships on upright and honest values--values of intergrity. Living in this life is not easy, but with God's help anyone can thrive.
I wonder what you think about this issue of integrity. I wonder if relationships with others is only two-faced masks rather than real and honesty unmasked. Does how you view yourself truly impact relationships negatively? What has been your experience? your observation?
Peace out,
Pastor D
God is challenging me to work out my life with integrity. According to the dictionary, integrity means:
"adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." To be honest with my life is challenging. I'd rather stretch the truth than deal with things honestly. I've heard people say that you need to be brutally honest, but I don't believe that to be true. God wants me to be candid; "characterized by openness and sincerity of expression; unreservedly straightforward (American Heritage Dictionary s.v. 'candid')."
To be unreservedly straighforward means honestly determining where I am with God, with family, with others. A person of integrity takes a sincere and open look at one's life. That scares you and I because we want to look good. Yet I need to balance that with what God's Word, the Bible says about all people. Rather than remaining in pride and seeking to look good, everyone can embrace humility. For Proverbs 11:2 says,
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." I can embody humility by taking an honest look at myself and know that God still loves me--warts, zits, acne and all! I can face myself with integrity. You can see yourself honestly and be free.
Moreover, I can live in the truth that God's love for me can impact my relationships. I wonder how many times I've said half-truths to cover my pride in order for others to receive the blame. I wonder how many times I've hurt others with my unfaithfulness. Proverbs 11:3 offers me a greater challenge,
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
If I am honest with myself before God, then I can be honest with everyone else in my life. This does not give me license to blast everyone brutally. But I gives me the foundation for deeper friendships. I want to build relationships rather than destroy them. I can build relationships on upright and honest values--values of intergrity. Living in this life is not easy, but with God's help anyone can thrive.
I wonder what you think about this issue of integrity. I wonder if relationships with others is only two-faced masks rather than real and honesty unmasked. Does how you view yourself truly impact relationships negatively? What has been your experience? your observation?
Peace out,
Pastor D
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